Malware

Question

I was on the computer paying bills.  A bright red screen appeared.  It was some sort of screen for wifi protection.  The company name was Network Help.  The address given was 1023 Independence Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA 23462.  The phone number given was 1-855-295-0715, the email ******@livenetworkhelp.com.  The product name was Sonic wall Firewall.

The charge was $399 for automatic and $299 for manual.  The phone personnel had an Indian accent.

I think this is a scam.  Would you look into this and let me know your opinion.

Answer 1

Hi AEGreene

The best option would be to run a full scan with the free version of MalwareBytes, just in case this is being caused by malware or a browser redirect . . .

https://www.malwarebytes.com/

________________________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

Answer 2

Thank you for the response.  I would like to add that the problem appears when I attempt to access the Barclaycardus.com website.  It comes in through Microsoft Edge.  Can you tell me anything about this?

Answer 3

Also:

FYI: Official Microsoft Support phone numbers can be found here: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4051701/global-customer-service-phone-numbers

And you might want to read below articles:

Some related and official Microsoft articles:

• Protect yourself from tech support scams
• Tech support scams
• www.microsoft.com/reportascam
• https://blog.malwarebytes.com/tech-support-scams/:

Answer 4

That's a scam.

A good ad blocker should prevent pop ups/fake warnings/alerts/ads etc. Tracking blockers help too.

I use and recommend the free extensions uBlock Origin and Ghostery.

Most browsers offer the same or similar extensions... 

Also go through your browser's settings and adjust them to your wishes. For example, block 3rd party cookies etc.

You might also want to reset your browser(s), see if you have any weird extensions/add-ons...

I suggest using the Firefox browser.

You might want to read:

How to tighten security and increase privacy on your browser - Malwarebytes Labs | Malwarebytes Labs

and

Answers to common security questions - Best Practices

especially Beware of Phony Emails, Phone Calls & Tech Support Scams

which

• includes Resources to protect your browser, privacy & help prevent browser pop-up ads and scams
• explains what to do when you keep on seeing these fake sites/getting pop-ups etc despite having followed the above mentioned advices.

Answer 5

Hi AE

Well done for being suspicious, you would be amazed how many users fall for this!

This is a well known Tech Support SCAM do not click anything on that page

When this happens, open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc)

On the processes tab, locate your browser and end task on that

You can then continue to user your PC and browse the Internet

This is caused by a browser re-direct on a page you are visiting, try to avoid any page that jumps out to this sort of page . . .

All they are trying to do is get control of your PC, they will cause your PC to become corrupt and then require you to pay to have it fixed and even though you might pay them, they will not fix it!